By 1812Blockhouse
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks have unveiled a significant investment of nearly $87 million into 28 critical road safety projects across the state. Among these, a prominent project in Delaware County stands out as a key initiative aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing traffic fatalities.
Delaware’s Key Project: A New Roundabout at SR 61 and SR 521
One of the flagship projects of this safety initiative is the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of SR 61 and SR 521 in Delaware County. Scheduled for completion in 2028, this project has been awarded a grant of $4,629,675. This intersection has long been identified as a high-risk area with a history of severe accidents, making it a priority for safety improvements.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “When it comes to our roadways, safety will always be our top priority. Our goal is to save lives by investing to improve dangerous intersections.”
The Effectiveness of Roundabouts
Roundabouts have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of deadly crashes at intersections. According to studies by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts achieve a 44 percent reduction in overall crashes and a nearly 90 percent reduction in serious and deadly crashes at two-way stop intersections. When replacing traffic signals, roundabouts lead to a 48 percent decrease in crashes and an 80 percent drop in serious and deadly incidents.
ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks highlighted the benefits of this approach, saying, “ODOT’s mission includes building and maintaining a transportation system that is safe. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously. The roundabout at SR 61 and SR 521 is a perfect example of how we are implementing proven solutions to enhance road safety.”
Statewide Road Safety Efforts
The Delaware project is part of a broader $87 million investment targeting 28 road safety projects across 22 counties. This initiative, under ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, focuses primarily on improving dangerous intersections, where a significant portion of traffic fatalities occur. In 2023, crashes at intersections accounted for 362 deaths, with 104 fatalities already recorded this year.
Extending Safety Measures to I-90 Lake Effect Corridor
In addition to the Delaware project, the Highway Safety Improvement funding will extend the I-90 Lake Effect Corridor’s variable speed limit zone. This area has seen a 35 percent decrease in crashes since the implementation of dynamic speed limits that adjust based on weather conditions. An additional $2.3 million grant will extend this corridor six miles west near the SR 306 interchange, further improving safety during dangerous snow squalls.
A Call for Driver Responsibility
While these infrastructure improvements are crucial, ODOT Director Marchbanks also stressed the importance of responsible driving behavior. “We need drivers to do some very basic things like follow the speed limit, buckle up, drive sober, and above all pay attention,” he said.
The significant investment in road safety projects across Ohio, including the new roundabout in Delaware County, reflects a comprehensive effort to reduce traffic fatalities and enhance overall road safety. With these initiatives, Ohio aims to set a standard for innovative and effective transportation solutions that prioritize the well-being of its residents.
Source: Office of Governor DeWine; Image: DALL-E 3
